Flexible drive tube for laparoscopic device

ABSTRACT

A colpotomy device for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The device includes a flexible drive tube having a proximal end and a distal end and bendable therebetween. The device also has a rotatable cutting implement at the distal end of the flexible drive tube at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. Furthermore, the device includes couplings located within the flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. The couplings can be in a series that includes inter-coupling joints and transmits a rotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle between the couplings. The variable angle can correspond to bending of the drive tube in order to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of the flexible drive tube.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to Application No. 62/933,572filed on Nov. 11, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, tosurgical devices that can be used for various surgical procedures. Morespecifically, but not by way of limitation, the present applicationrelates to a surgical device that may be used to treat the reproductivesystem of a female patient.

BACKGROUND

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove the uterusof a woman. There are a number of conditions that may necessitate ahysterectomy, such as uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, uterinecancer, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and adenomyosis. Dependingon the condition, the entire uterus may be removed or only a portion ofthe uterus may be removed.

In some instances, a surgeon only removes an upper portion of the uterusduring a subtotal hysterectomy. In instances where the entire uterus andthe cervix requires removal, a surgeon can perform a total hysterectomy.Additionally, in a radical hysterectomy, a surgeon removes the entireuterus, along with tissue on the sides of the uterus, the cervix, andthe top portion of the vagina.

Typically, two different approaches may be used to perform ahysterectomy, open surgery and a minimally invasive procedure. Duringopen surgery, a five to seven inch incision is made in the abdomen ofthe patient and the uterus is removed through the incision. For aminimally invasive procedure, among others, a total laparoscopichysterectomy procedure and a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomyprocedure can be performed. Both of these procedures are minimallyinvasive with shorter recovery times in comparison to open surgery.During a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the uterus, but notthe cervix, is removed using a technique that involves several smallabdominal incisions. During a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, smallkeyhole incisions are made in the navel or abdomen and the uterus isremoved in small pieces through either the incisions or the vagina.Recovery times for the procedures described above can range from fourweeks to six weeks. Moreover, complications may arise, such as vaginalcuff dehiscence, which may occur when the cutting implement used toseparate the uterus wanders a procedure.

Accordingly, a need exists for a procedure and device which facilitatesthis procedure while minimizing the number of incisions necessary duringa hysterectomy, allows for better control of the cutting implementduring the hysterectomy, and allows for uniform excision.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a colpotomy device forperforming a hysterectomy. In an embodiment, the colpotomy device caninclude a knob locking assembly at a proximal end and a rotatablecutting implement at a distal end opposite the knob, where the knoblocking assembly can be used to control the movement of the cuttingimplement. In an embodiment, a flexible drive tube can couple the knoblocking assembly with the cutting implement such that any motionimparted with the knob locking assembly is translated to the cuttingimplement via the flexible drive tube. In an embodiment, the flexibledrive tube can be bendable between the knob and the rotatable cuttingimplement where the rotatable cutting implement can be at a specifiedoffset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube.Moreover, in an embodiment, a plurality of couplings can be locatedwithin the flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendablelongitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. In an embodiment, theplurality of couplings can be in a series that can include one or moreinter-coupling joints. In an embodiment, the plurality of couplings canbe configured to transmit a rotational force between the proximal anddistal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle betweencouplings of the plurality of couplings. The variable angle cancorrespond to bending of the drive tube in an embodiment. Furthermore,in an embodiment, the transmitted rotational force can drive rotation ofthe cutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of theflexible drive tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a colpotomy device having a knob lockingassembly at a first end and an end effector assembly at a second endopposite the knob locking assembly with a flexible drive tube disposedbetween the knob locking assembly and the end effector assembly inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the use of the colpotomy device of FIGS. 1Aand 1B within a patient in accordance with at least one example of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 3-5 show couplings of the colpotomy device of FIGS. 1A and 1B inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a coupling of the couplings of FIGS. 3-5 couplingwith the knob locking assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a coupling of the couplings of FIGS. 3-5 couplingwith the end effector assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an end effector coupling used to couple the endeffector assembly of FIGS. 7A and 7B with the coupling of FIGS. 7A and7B in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a knob locking assembly in accordance with at leastone example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 9 locked in a retractedposition in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 9 locked in an extendedposition in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an end of the flexible drive tube of FIGS. 1A and 1Bin accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates the movement of the knob locking assembly of FIG. 9between a retracted position and an extended position in accordance withat least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a knob locking assembly in accordance with a furtherexample of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 14 locked in a retractedposition in accordance with a further example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 14 locked in an extendedposition in accordance with a further example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a knob locking assembly in accordance withanother example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows the knob locking assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18 locked in aretracted position in accordance with another example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates the movement of the knob locking assembly of FIGS.17 and 18 between a retracted position and an extended position inaccordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows the knob locking assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18 locked in anextended position in accordance with another example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a knob locking assembly in accordance with at leastone example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 22 locked in a retractedposition in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates the movement of the knob locking assembly of FIG. 22between a retracted position and an extended position in accordance withat least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows the knob locking assembly of FIG. 22 locked in an extendedposition in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate a cutting device in accordance with at leastone example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows the end effector assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 illustrates a blade cover in accordance with at least oneexample of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 illustrates an end effector assembly coupling in accordance withat least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 shows the cutting device of FIGS. 26A-26C disposed between theblade cover of FIG. 28 and the end effector assembly coupling of FIG.29, in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate the cutting device in FIG. 30 contacting anaxial contact and a circumferential electrical contact, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the axial and the circumferentialelectrical contact shown with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 34A-C show a cutting device in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate axial contacts of a cutting device, inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 37-39 illustrate an end effector assembly, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 40 illustrates the end effector assembly of FIGS. 37-39 housed byfirst cup where the first cup houses an end effector assembly coupling,a cutting device, a blade cover, an axial contact, and a circumferentialcontact, in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 41 illustrates a second cup of an end effector assembly, inaccordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 illustrates an end effector assembly, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 illustrates a bushing of an end effector assembly, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of end effector assembly, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 45A and 45B illustrate a clutch assembly, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 show the engagement of clutch plate teeth with clutch housingteeth, in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 47 illustrates an assembled view of the clutch assembly of FIGS.45A and 45B, in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate recesses of the clutch assembly of FIGS. 45Aand 45B that are configured to receive coupling bosses, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate the disengagement of clutch housing teethfrom clutch plate teeth, in accordance with at least one example of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 52A, 52B, and 53 illustrate a clutch assembly, in accordance withat least one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 54 shows a clutch assembly, in accordance with at least one exampleof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate a biasing member of the clutch assembly ofFIG. 54, in accordance with at least one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 57 illustrates a housing portion having recesses configured toreceive the biasing member of FIGS. 55 and 56, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 58 shows the clutch assembly of FIG. 54 coupled with the knoblocking assembly of FIG. 9, in accordance with at least one example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 59 shows stops of the clutch assembly of FIG. 54, in accordancewith at least one example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 60-62 illustrate an interaction of the biasing member of FIGS. 55and 56 with the stops of the clutch of FIG. 59, in accordance with atleast one example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a colpotomy medical devicefor performing a hysterectomy using laparoscopic procedures. In anembodiment, the colpotomy device can include a knob at a distal end anda rotatable cutting implement at a distal end opposite the knob, wherethe knob can be used to control the movement of the cutting implement.In an embodiment, a flexible drive tube can couple the knob with thecutting implement such that any motion imparted with the knob istranslated to the cutting implement via the flexible drive tube. In anembodiment, the flexible drive tube can be bendable between the knob andthe rotatable cutting implement where the rotatable cutting implementcan be at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of theflexible drive tube. Moreover, in an embodiment, a plurality ofcouplings can be located within the flexible drive tube and rotatableabout the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. In anembodiment, the plurality of couplings can be in a series that caninclude one or more inter-coupling joints. In an embodiment, theplurality of couplings can be configured to transmit a rotational forcebetween the proximal and distal ends of the flexible drive tube througha variable angle between couplings of the plurality of couplings. Thevariable angle can correspond to bending of the drive tube in anembodiment. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the transmitted rotationalforce can drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specifiedoffset about the axis of the flexible drive tube.

Now making reference to the Figures, and more specifically FIGS. 1A and1B, a colpotomy device 100 is shown in accordance with at least oneexample of the present disclosure that can be used for laparoscopicprocedures, such as a hysterectomy. The colpotomy device 100 can includea handle 102 at a proximal end of the colpotomy device 100 and aneffector assembly 104 at a distal end of the colpotomy device 100opposite the proximal end. In an embodiment, the handle 102 can be usedby surgeon to hold the colpotomy device 100 during a procedure, such asa hysterectomy. The end effector assembly 104 can include an endeffector 106, which, as will be discussed further below, can be used toperform a rescission during a hysterectomy. In some embodiments, the endeffector assembly 104 can be referred to as a tissue treatment assembly.In addition, the colpotomy device 100 can include a knob lockingassembly 108 at the distal end that can be used to manipulate thecolpotomy device 100 during a hysterectomy. In particular, the knoblocking assembly 108 can be used to manipulate the end effector assembly104, such as rotating the end effector assembly 104 along with the endeffector 106 in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction during use ofthe colpotomy device 100. Moreover, the knob locking assembly 108 can beused to extend the end effector 106 in a longitudinal direction into theposition shown with respect to FIG. 1B and retract the end effector in alongitudinal direction into the position shown with reference to FIG.1A. The knob locking assembly 108 can be separated from the end effectorassembly 104 via a drive tube housing 110, as shown with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B. In an embodiment, the drive tube housing 110 can beformed of any type of rigid material, such as a rigid plastic, polymer,or the like. Furthermore, a low-friction polymer, such as an acetalresin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like may be used in accordancewith the type of sterilization being used during the procedure.Moreover, in an embodiment, the drive tube housing 110 can have a lengththat is preferably about 4 inches to 10 inches, and more preferablyabout 5 inches to about 7 inches. In an embodiment, the drive tubehousing 110 can have a diameter that is preferably about 0.5 inches toabout 1.5 inches and more preferably about 0.75 inches to about 1.0inches.

The colpotomy device 100 includes a probe 112 disposed within a locktube 114. The lock tube 114 may be formed from a flexible material suchas flexible polymer, including polyethylene. The lock tube 114 protectsthe probe 112 within the colpotomy device 100 and allows movements ofthe colpotomy device 100 along the probe 112 during use of the colpotomydevice 100. During use of the colpotomy device 100, the probe 112 can beused to position the colpotomy device 100 within the vaginal canal of apatient adjacent the cervix in order to allow maneuvering of the endeffector assembly 104 such that the end effector assembly 104 can beproximal to the cervix of the patient. When the end effector assembly104 is adjacent the cervix of the patient, the end effector 106 can beused to perform the hysterectomy. In an embodiment, the flexible sheath114 encases the probe 112 such that the colpotomy device 100 can movealong the probe 112.

As noted above, the colpotomy device 100 can be used to perform medicalprocedures, such as a hysterectomy. An example of the colpotomy device100 being used during a medical procedure is shown with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an abdominalcavity 200 of a patient where the colpotomy device 100 engages vaginalfornices 202 of the patient. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of theabdominal cavity of FIG. 2A where the colpotomy device 100 engages thevaginal fornices 202 of the patient. During a medical procedure, such asa hysterectomy, a surgeon inserts the colpotomy device 100 into avaginal canal 204 of the patient such that the end effector assembly 104engages with the vaginal fornices 202. More specifically, a surgeonguides the end effector assembly 104 using the probe 112 through thevaginal canal 204 and seats the end effector assembly 104 proximate acervical end 206 of the vagina of a patient. After placement of the endeffector assembly 104, the surgeon may begin resection of a uterus 208of the patient with the end effector 106 (not shown).

Returning attention to the colpotomy device 100, the knob lockingassembly 108 can be used to rotate the end effector assembly 104 andextend and retract the end effector 106. In particular, during aresection procedure, such as the resection of the uterus 208, the endeffector assembly 104 and the end effector 106 can be rotated toeffectuate resection via the knob locking assembly 108. In anembodiment, the colpotomy device 100 can include a plurality ofcouplings 300 disposed within the drive tube housing 110 and extendingbetween the end effector assembly 104 and the knob locking assembly 108,as shown with reference to FIGS. 3-5. While FIG. 3 illustrates thecolpotomy device 100 as including four couplings 300, it should be notedthat the colpotomy device 100 can include any number of couplings 300.For example, the colpotomy device can include couplings that number in arange between about four couplings to about twelve couplings.Furthermore, each of the couplings 300 can have a diameter that ispreferably about 0.5 inches in diameter to about 1.25 inches indiameter. Moreover, each of the couplings 300 may have a length that isabout 0.5 inches in a length to about 1.25 inches in length. In anembodiment, the couplings 300 can be formed of any rigid or semi-rigidmaterial. Examples can include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium,thermoplastics, or any other types of metal alloys.

Making reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the couplings 300 can coupleto each other via a coupling ring 400 that includes coupling pins 500and 502. In an embodiment, the couplings 300 can include coupling bores504 and 506, which can be configured to accept the coupling pins 500 ofthe coupling ring 400. For example, the coupling bore 504 can beconfigured to accept the coupling pin 500 such that the coupling pin 500extends through and is rotatable with respect to the coupling bore 504.In addition, the coupling bore 506 can be configured to accept thecoupling pin 502 such that the coupling pin 502 extends through and isrotatable with respect to the coupling bore 506. Furthermore, each ofthe couplings 300 include a U-shaped portion 508 extending therefrom asshown with reference to FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the U-shaped portions508 along with the coupling pins 500 and 502 and the coupling bores 504and 506 form an inter-coupling joint. In an embodiment, the couplingspins 500 and 502 are rotatable with respect to coupling bores 504 and506 and, in conjunction with the coupling bores 504 and 506 transmitrotational forces through a variable angle between each of the couplings300.

When the coupling pin 500 is disposed within the coupling bore 504 andthe coupling pin 502 is disposed within the coupling bore 506, thecouplings 300 can have the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 3.Furthermore, as may be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the couplings 300may be in series with each other. In an embodiment, the coupling ring400 along with the coupling pins 500 and 502 can be formed of any rigidor semi-rigid materials. Examples can include stainless steel, aluminum,titanium, thermoplastics, or any other types of metal alloys. Moreover,in an embodiment, the coupling ring 400 can have a diameter that is in arange of about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches. In addition, thecoupling pins 500 and 502 can have a diameter that is in a range ofabout 0.05 inches to about 0.10 inches. In addition, the coupling bores504 and 506 can have a diameter that is in a range of about 0.055 inchesto about 0.105 inches.

As previously mentioned, the drive tube housing 110 along with thecouplings 300 extend between the knob locking assembly 108 and the endeffector assembly 104. In an embodiment, the couplings 300 can couplewith the knob locking assembly 108 at a proximal end of the colpotomydevice 100. Furthermore, the couplings 300 can couple with the endeffector assembly 104 at a distal end of the colpotomy device 100. Forexample, making reference to FIG. 6, the knob locking assembly 108 caninclude a coupling 600 having coupling bores 602. In this embodiment,the knob coupling 600 can couple with the coupling 300 via the couplingring 400. More specifically, one of the coupling pins 500 and 502 can bedisposed within the knob coupling bore 602 while the other of thecoupling pins 500 and 502 can be disposed in the coupling bore 506 ofthe coupling 300. In an embodiment, the knob coupling 600 can have adiameter that is preferably about 0.5 inches in diameter to about 1.25inches in diameter. In addition, the knob coupling bore 602 can have adiameter that is in a range of about 0.055 inches to about 0.105 inches.

In addition to coupling with the knob locking assembly 108 at theproximal end of the colpotomy device 100, the couplings 300 can couplewith the end effector assembly 104 at a distal end of the colpotomydevice 100, as shown with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In anembodiment, the end effector assembly 104 can include an end effectorassembly coupling 700 having end effector assembly coupling bores 702(FIG. 7B). In an embodiment, the couplings 300 can couple with the endeffector assembly coupling 700 via a coupling ring 704. In particular,as shown with reference to FIG. 8, the coupling ring 704 can includepins 800 where the coupling bores 506 and the end effector assemblycoupling bores 702 can be configured to accept the pins 800 of thecoupling ring 704 such that the couplings 300 couple with the endeffector assembly coupling 700, as shown with respect to FIG. 7A. In anembodiment, the end effector assembly coupling 700 can be formed of anyrigid or semi-rigid materials. Examples can include stainless steel,aluminum, titanium, thermoplastics, or any other types of metal alloys.Moreover, in an embodiment, the end effector assembly coupling 700 canhave a diameter that is preferably about 0.5 inches in diameter to about1.25 inches in diameter.

In an embodiment, the couplings 300 can allow for the rotation of theknob locking assembly 108 while the knob locking assembly 108 is in theretracted position, as shown with reference to FIG. 1A. Similarly, thecouplings 300 can allow for the rotation of the knob locking assembly108 while the knob locking assembly 108 is in the extended position, asshown with reference to FIG. 1B. Moreover, when a user rotates the knobassembly 108, the couplings 300 can impart a rotational force impartedat the knob locking assembly 108 through a variable angle with eachother in either a first direction or a second direction, such as aclockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In an embodiment,the couplings 300 can be constant velocity joints or universal jointssuch that as the knob locking assembly 108 rotates in either a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction, the end effector 106 can also rotate inthe same direction as the knob locking assembly 108.

During use of the colpotomy device 100, as noted above, a surgeon canmaneuver the colpotomy device 100 and in particular can maneuver the endeffector assembly 106 through the vaginal canal 204 of the patient. Inan embodiment, as the surgeon moves the end effector assembly 104through the vaginal canal 204, the end effector 106 can be in aretracted position as shown with reference to FIG. 1A. After the surgeonproperly orients the end effector assembly within the abdominal cavity200 of the patient as shown with regards to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the surgeoncan extend the end effector 106 to begin resection using the knoblocking assembly 108.

In an embodiment, the knob locking assembly 108 can function to keep theend effector 106 in the retracted position during maneuvering of thecolpotomy device 100 within the vaginal canal 204 and seating of the endeffector assembly 104 proximate the cervical end 206. The term knoblocking assembly may be used interchangeably with the term knob. Makingreference to FIG. 9, an exploded view of the knob locking assembly 108is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inan embodiment, the knob locking assembly 108 can include housingportions 900 which together form a housing for the knob locking assembly108. Furthermore, the knob locking assembly 108 can include actuators902 and biasing members 904. It should be noted that throughout thisSpecification, reference will be made to an actuator 902 and actuators902. These terms are interchangeable. Thus, disclosure relating to theactuator 902 is applicable to the actuators 902 and disclosure relatingto the actuators 902 is applicable to the actuator 902. In anembodiment, the actuators 902 include actuator bores 906 which areconfigured to receive a housing pin 908 of the housing portion 900. Inan embodiment, the actuators 902 can be formed of any pliable semi-rigidmaterial. Examples can include any type of polymer, polycarbonate, orthe like. Moreover, in an embodiment, the housing portions 900 caninclude a directional arrow 912, which can provide an indication to auser which direction the knob locking assembly 108 should be moved inorder to place the knob locking assembly 108 in an extended position.

The actuators 902 can function to lock the knob locking assembly 108 ineither an extended position or a retracted position, as shown withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11. As used herein, the retracted position ofthe knob locking assembly 108 refers to a position of the knob lockingassembly 108 when the end effector 106 can be in the retracted positionshown above with reference to FIG. 1A. Moreover, as used herein, theextended position of the knob locking assembly 108 refers to a positionof the knob locking assembly 108 when the end effector 106 can be in theextended position shown above with reference to FIG. 1B. In anembodiment, the actuator 902 can include a tab 1000 having a first tabsurface 1002 and a second tab surface 1004 opposite the first surface1002. In the retracted position, the first tab surface 1002 can abutagainst a flexible drive tube surface 1006 of the drive tube housing 110such that the flexible drive tube surface 1006 can prevent the knoblocking assembly 108 from moving along a direction A. Accordingly, theflexible drive tube surface 1006 functions as a stop for the first tabsurface 1002. More specifically, in an embodiment, since the first tabsurface 1002 abuts the flexible drive tube surface 1006, the first tabsurface 1002 in conjunction with the flexible drive tube surface 1006can prevent movement of the knob locking assembly 108 along thedirection A and, in turn, extension of the end effector 106 from the endeffector assembly 104 thereby maintaining the knob locking assembly 108and the end effector 106 in the retracted position.

Regarding the flexible drive tube surface 1006, now making reference toFIG. 12, a view of a distal end of the drive tube housing 110 is shownin accordance with an embodiment. Here, the drive tube housing 110 caninclude a flexible tube end 1200 having a diameter d₁. In an embodiment,the flexible tube end 1200 can have a diameter d₁ that is preferablyabout 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and more preferably about 0.75inches to about 1.0 inches. In accordance with an embodiment, thediameter d₁ can be greater than the diameter of the drive tube housing110, as discussed above. Due to the diameter variance between theflexible tube end 1200 and the drive tube housing 110, a flexible drivetube surface 1202 is formed on the flexible tube end 1100, as shown withreference to FIG. 12. In an embodiment, the flexible drive tube surface1202 can function to place the knob locking assembly 108 in the extendedposition, as will be discussed further on.

Returning attention to FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the biasing means 904can bias the tab 1000 along a direction X (FIG. 10) such that theactuator 902 can maintain the position shown with reference to FIG. 10where the first tab surface 1002 abuts the flexible drive tube surface1006. The biasing means 904 can couple with the housing portion 900 viaa housing pin 910. In an embodiment, the biasing means 904 can be atorsion spring. In an embodiment, the biasing means 904 can bias theactuator 902 into the position shown with reference to FIG. 10.Moreover, the biasing means 904 can bias the actuator 902 into theposition shown with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the actuator 902 can rotateabout the housing pin 908 along the direction X or a direction Y. In anembodiment, the knob locking assembly 108 can include an interface 1008having ridges 1010. In an embodiment, the ridges 1010 can provide atactile surface such that a user, such as a surgeon, of the colpotomydevice 100 can move the knob locking assembly 108 from the retractedposition shown with regards to FIG. 10 to the extended position shownwith regards to FIG. 13. In particular, a user can push the actuator 902at the interface 1008 along the direction B, thereby pivoting theactuator along the direction Y about the housing pin 908. As a userpushes the actuator 902 along the direction B and the actuator 902rotates about the housing pin 908 along the direction Y, the tab 1000can move along a direction C such that the first tab surface 1002 nolonger abuts the flexible drive tube surface 1006. When a user moves theactuator 902 at the interface 1008 along the direction B and theactuator 902 rotates about the housing pin 908, the actuator 902 canhave the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 13 where the firsttab surface 1002 is above the flexible drive tube surface 1006. Here,the tab 1000 can clear the flexible drive tube surface 1006 and can moveover the flexible tube end 1200. Once the first tab surface 1002 clearsthe flexible drive tube surface 1106 as shown with regards to FIG. 13, auser can move the knob locking assembly 108 along the direction A andinto the position shown with regards to FIG. 11.

After moving the knob locking assembly 108 into the position shown withreference to FIG. 11, a user can remove force from the interface 108,i.e., stop applying force along the direction B. When a user no longerapplies force at the interface 1008 along the direction B, the biasingmeans 904 can cause the actuator to rotate along the direction X aboutthe housing pin 908 such that the tab 1000 can move along the directionB. The tab 1000 can continue moving along the direction B until the tab1000 contacts a surface 1104 of the drive tube housing 110, as shownwith reference to FIG. 11. Furthermore, the second tab surface 1004 ofthe tab 1000 can abut the flexible drive tube surface 1202. In anembodiment, in the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 11, theknob locking assembly 108 can be locked into the extended position. Morespecifically, as the user moves the knob locking assembly 108 along thedirection A, since the knob locking assembly 108 couples with the endeffector 106 via the couplings 300 as previously discussed, the endeffector 106 can extend from the end effector assembly 104 into theconfiguration shown with reference to FIG. 1B. As such, the tab 1000along with the tab surfaces 1002 and 1004 function to provide a lock forthe knob locking assembly 108 such that lock formed by the tab 1000along and the tab surfaces 1002 and 1004 engage the knob lockingassembly 108 with the drive tube housing 110.

In addition to the configuration shown with reference to FIGS. 9-11 and13, the knob locking assembly 108 can employ alternative configurationsto achieve the retracted and extended positions. To further illustrate,the knob locking assembly 108 can have the configuration shown withreference to FIG. 14 where, in addition to the housing portions 900, theknob locking assembly 108 can include an actuator 1400 having a biasingmeans 1402. It should be noted that throughout this Specification,reference will be made to an actuator 1400 and actuators 1400. Theseterms are interchangeable. Thus, disclosure relating to the actuator1400 is applicable to the actuators 1400 and disclosure relating to theactuators 1400 is applicable to the actuator 1400. In an embodiment, thebiasing means 1402 can be integral with the actuator 1400, the tab 1408,the first tab surface 1506, and the second tab surface 1508 such thatthe actuator 1400, the tab 1408, the first tab surface 1506, and thesecond tab surface 1508 are unitary with the biasing means 1402. In anembodiment, the biasing means 1402 can have a surface 1404, which, aswill be discussed with reference to FIG. 15, can assist the biasingmeans 1402 with providing a biasing force to the actuators 1400 via asurface 1406 of the housing 900. Moreover, the biasing means 1402 canhave a tab 1408 that can have the same functionality as the tab 1000discussed with reference to FIGS. 9-11 and 13. In an embodiment, theactuators 1400 can be formed of any pliable semi-rigid material.Examples can include any type of polymer, polycarbonate, or the like.Furthermore, in an embodiment, the actuators 1400 can couple with thehousing portions 900 via the housing pins 908. In particular, theactuators 1400 can include an actuator bore 1410, which can beconfigured to accept the housing pin 908 such that the actuators 1400can couple with the housing portion 900, as shown with reference to FIG.15.

As noted, the housing surface 1406 assists the biasing means 1402 withproviding a biasing force to the actuator 1400. To further illustrate,making reference to FIG. 15, an embodiment of the knob locking assembly108 is shown where the biasing surface 1404 of the biasing means 1402abuts the housing surface 1406. In this configuration, since theactuators 1400 can be formed from a pliable material, the housingsurface 1406 can bend the biasing means 1402 along the direction Y. Tofurther illustrate, when the knob locking assembly 108 has theconfiguration shown with reference to FIG. 15, the biasing means 1402can be compressed such that an arm 1500 of the biasing means 1402 isforced to pivot about an imaginary point 1502 along the direction Y.When the biasing means arm 1500 pivots about the imaginary point 1502,the biasing force can be provided to an end 1504 of the actuator 1400along the direction C. Thus, the biasing force imparted by thecompression of the biasing means arm 1500 can apply a force to theactuator end 1504 along the direction C. Moreover, the force imparted bythe biasing means arm 1500 can cause the actuator 1400 to pivot aboutthe housing pin 908 along the direction X such that the actuator 1400can have the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 15.

The actuator 1400 can include the tab 1408 that can have functionalitysimilar to the tab 1000. Thus, in an embodiment, the tab 1408 can lockthe knob locking assembly 108 into the retracted position. In addition,the tab 1408 can lock the knob locking assembly 108 into an extendedposition. In an embodiment, the tab 1408 can include a first surface1506 along with a second surface 1508 opposite the first tab surface1506. In an embodiment, the tab 1408 along with the first tab surface1506 and the second tab surface 1508 can function as lock that, as willbe discussed further on, engages the knob locking assembly 1800 with thedrive tube housing 110 in both the retracted and extended positions.

In the configuration shown with reference to FIG. 15, the knob lockingassembly 108 can be locked in the retracted position. In the retractedposition, the first tab surface 1506 can abut against the flexible drivetube surface 1006 such that the flexible drive tube surface 1006prevents the knob locking assembly 108 from moving along the directionA. Accordingly, the flexible drive tube surface 1006 functions as a stopfor the first tab surface 1506. More specifically, in an embodiment,since the first tab surface 1506 abuts the flexible drive tube surface1006, the first tab surface 1506 in conjunction with the flexible drivetube surface 1006 can prevent movement of the knob locking assembly 108along the direction A and, in turn, extension of the end effector 106from the end effector assembly 104 thereby maintaining the knob lockingassembly 108 and the end effector 106 in the retracted position.

In an embodiment, if a user desires to move the knob locking assembly108 from the retracted position shown with reference to FIG. 15 into anextended position, as shown with reference to FIG. 16, a user may applya force along the direction B at the interface 108 and the ridges 1010.When a user applies a force along the direction B at the interface 108,the actuator 1400 rotates about the housing pin 908 along the directionY, thereby upwardly moving the tab 1408 along the direction C. In anembodiment, as the tab 1408 moves upwardly along the direction C, thetab 1408 and the first tab surface 1506 can clear the flexible drivetube surface 1006, similar to the tab 1000 and the first tab surface1002 clearing the flexible drive tube surface 1006, as shown withreference to FIG. 13. Once the tab 1408 and the first tab surface 1506clear the flexible drive tube surface 1006, the user can move the knoblocking assembly 108 along the direction A and into the position shownwith reference to FIG. 16, where the user may release the force appliedat the interface 108 applied along the direction B.

In the embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 16, the knob lockingassembly 108 can be in the extended position. In this position, thesecond tab surface 1508 can abut the flexible drive tube surface 1202,as shown with reference to FIG. 16. Moreover, in this configuration,since the actuators 1400 can be formed from a pliable material, thehousing surface 1406 again can bend the biasing means 1402 along thedirection Y. In particular, the biasing means 1402 can be compressedsuch that the arm 1500 of the biasing means 1402 is forced to pivotabout the imaginary point 1502 along the direction Y. When the biasingmeans arm 1500 pivots about the imaginary point 1502, the biasing forcecan be provided to the end 1504 of the actuator 1400 along the directionC. Thus, the biasing force imparted by the compression of the biasingmeans arm 1500 can apply a force to the actuator end 1504 along thedirection C. Moreover, the force imparted by the biasing means arm 1500can cause the actuator 1400 to pivot about the housing pin 908 along thedirection X such that the actuator 1400 can have the configuration shownwith reference to FIG. 16.

In addition to the configuration shown with reference to FIGS. 9-11 and13-16, the colpotomy device 100 can employ knobs having alternativeconfigurations to achieve the retracted and extended positions. Forexample, the colpotomy device 100 can include a knob locking assembly1700 that can move the end effector 106 between the retracted positionand the extended position, as shown with reference to FIG. 17. In anembodiment, the knob locking assembly 1700 can be positioned at aproximal end of the colpotomy device 100 similar to the knob lockingassembly 108. Moreover, the knob locking assembly 1700 can be used tomanipulate the end effector assembly 104, such as rotating the endeffector assembly 104 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise directionduring use of the colpotomy device 100. Moreover, the knob lockingassembly 1700 can be used to extend the end effector 106 into theposition shown with respect to FIG. 1B and retract the end effector 106into the position shown with reference to FIG. 1A. The knob lockingassembly 1700 can be separated from the end effector assembly 104 viathe drive tube housing 110, similar to the knob locking assembly 108shown with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In an embodiment, the knob locking assembly 1700 can include housingportions 1702 along with an actuator 1704 that can be used to lock theknob locking assembly 1700 in either the retracted position or theextended position via a knob ring 1706 disposed within a knob ring seat1708. Moreover, in an embodiment, the housing portions 1702 can includea directional arrow 1710, which can provide an indication to a userwhich direction the knob locking assembly 1700 should be moved in orderto place the knob locking assembly 1700 in an extended position. Theknob ring 1706 can be biased within the housing portions 1702 with abiasing means 1800 that can be situated on a seat 1802, as shown withreference to FIG. 18. In an embodiment, the biasing means 1800 can be acompression spring that, as shown with regards to FIG. 19, can impart aforce against the knob ring 1706 along the direction B. In anembodiment, the biasing means 1800 sits in a recess 1900 of the housingportion 1702 and can impart a force against the recess 1900 along thedirection C and can impart a force along the direction B against theknob ring 1706 via the seat 1802.

In the embodiment shown with regards to FIG. 19, the colpotomy device100 and the knob locking assembly 1700 are in the retracted position. Inan embodiment, the knob ring 1706 includes a first surface 1902 that canabut against the flexible drive tube surface 1006 such that the flexibledrive tube surface 1006 prevents the knob locking assembly 1700 frommoving along the direction A. Therefore, the flexible drive tube surface1006 can function as a stop for the first surface 1902. Morespecifically, in an embodiment, since the first surface 1902 abuts theflexible drive tube surface 1006, the first surface 1902 in conjunctionwith the flexible drive tube surface 1006 can prevent movement of theknob locking assembly 1700 along the direction A and, in turn, extensionof the end effector 106 from the end effector assembly 104 therebymaintaining the knob locking assembly 1700 and the end effector 106 inthe retracted position.

When a user desires to move the knob locking assembly 1700 from theretracted position to the extended position, the user can push theactuator along the direction C, thereby moving the knob ring 1706 andthe knob ring seat 1708 along the direction C. As the knob ring 1706moves along the direction C, the knob ring first surface 1902 clears theflexible drive tube surface 1006 such that the user can move the knoblocking assembly 1700 along the direction A, as shown with reference toFIG. 20. As may be seen with reference to FIG. 20, the knob ring 1706 isabove the drive tube housing 110 and can move along a top surface of thedrive tube housing 110.

A user can move the knob locking assembly 1700 into the position shownwith reference to FIG. 21, where the knob locking assembly 1700 is inthe extended position. Here, a second surface 2100 of the knob ring 1706can abut the flexible drive tube surface 1202 of the drive tube housing110. More specifically, when the knob locking assembly 1700 is moved tothe position shown with reference to FIG. 21, a user can release theforce on the actuator 1704 such that the biasing means 1800 can move theknob ring 1706 along the direction B. When the knob ring 1706 moves inthe direction B, the knob ring second surface 2100 can abut the flexibledrive tube surface 1202 such that the knob locking assembly 1700 can bein the extended position. In an embodiment, the actuator 1704 can be abutton, a switch, or any other type of tactile mechanism that allows formovement of the knob ring 1706, as discussed above. Furthermore, thebiasing means 1800 can be any mechanism capable of imparting a forcealong the direction B and the direction C. In addition to a compressionspring, examples include a wave spring or a leaf spring. In anembodiment, the knob ring 1706 can have an inside diameter d_(lr) in arange of about 0.555 inches to about 1.55 inches and more preferablyabout 0.80 inches to about 1.05. In particular, the knob ring 1706 canhave a diameter that is greater than the diameter d₁ of the flexibletube end 1200 such that the knob ring 1706 can slide over the flexibletube end 1200 as discussed with regards to FIG. 20.

In addition to the configuration shown with reference to FIGS. 9-11 and13-21, the colpotomy device 100 can employ knob locking assemblieshaving further alternative configurations to achieve the retracted andextended positions, such as the embodiments shown with reference toFIGS. 22-25. To further illustrate, in an embodiment, the colpotomydevice 100 can include a knob locking assembly 2200 as shown withreference to FIG. 22 that can move the end effector 106 between theretracted position and the extended position. In an embodiment, the knoblocking assembly 2200 can be positioned at a proximal end of thecolpotomy device 100 similar to the knob locking assemblies 108 and1700. The knob locking assembly 2200 can be used to manipulate the endeffector assembly 104, such as rotating the end effector assembly 104 inboth a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction during use of thecolpotomy device 100. The knob locking assembly 2200 can also be used toextend the end effector 106 into the position shown with respect to FIG.1B and retract the end effector into the position shown with referenceto FIG. 1A. The knob locking assembly 2200 can be separated from the endeffector assembly 104 via the drive tube housing 110, similar to theknob locking assembly 108 shown with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The knob locking assembly 2200 can include housing portions 2202 thatcan have actuators 2204A and 2204B. In an embodiment, the actuators2204A and 2204B can include a locking mechanism 2206 disposed on asub-housing 2208 of the housing portion 2202. Furthermore, the lockingmechanism 2206 can include a tab 2210 at a distal end thereof that canhave a tab surface 2212 which functions to assist with locking the knoblocking assembly 2200. It should be noted that throughout thisSpecification, reference will be made to a tab 2210 and tabs 2210. Theseterms are interchangeable. Thus, disclosure relating to the tab 2210 isapplicable to the tabs 2210 and disclosure relating to the tabs 2210 isapplicable to the tab 2210. Similarly, it should be noted thatthroughout this Specification, reference will be made to a tab surface2212 and tab surfaces 2212. These terms are interchangeable. Thus,disclosure relating to the tab surface 2212 is applicable to the tabsurfaces 2212 and disclosure relating to the tab surfaces 2212 isapplicable to the tab surface 2212. Moreover, in an embodiment, thehousing portions 2202 can include a directional arrow 2214, which canprovide an indication to a user which direction the knob lockingassembly 2200 should be moved in order to place the knob lockingassembly 2200 in an extended position.

Now making reference to FIG. 23, a first portion of the sub-housing 2208is disposed within the flexible tube end 1200 while the remainder of thesub-housing 2208 can be external of the flexible tube end 1200. Here,the sub-housing 2208 can have a circular configuration and can beconfigured to fit inside the flexible tube end 1200. It should be notedthat the sub-housing 2208 can have other configurations which can becomplimentary to a configuration of the flexible tube end 1200. Forexample, if the flexible tube end 1200 has a square configuration, thesub-housing 2208 can have a square configuration that complements thesquare configuration of the flexible tube end 1200. In an embodiment,the sub-housing 2208 can have a diameter d_(sh) in a range of about 0.45inches to about 1.45 inches and more preferably about 0.70 inches toabout 0.95 inches. In particular, the sub-housing 2208 can have adiameter d_(sh) that is less than the diameter d₁ of the flexible tubeend 1200 such that the sub-housing 2208 can fit within the flexible tubeend 1200.

In the embodiment shown with regards to FIG. 23, the knob lockingmechanism is in the retracted position. In particular, as may be seenwith reference to FIG. 23, the tab surface 2212 abuts the flexible drivetube surface 1202. Accordingly, the flexible drive tube surface 1006functions as a stop for the tab surface. More specifically, in anembodiment, since the tab surface 2212 abuts the flexible drive tubesurface 1006, the tab surface 2212 can prevent movement of the knoblocking assembly 2202 along the direction A and, in turn, extension ofthe end effector 106 from the end effector assembly 104 therebymaintaining the knob locking assembly and the end effector 106 in theretracted position.

In an embodiment, each of the actuators 2204A and 2204B can include arotation pin 2300 and biasing means 2302 that can function to maintainthe tab 2210 in the position shown with reference to FIG. 23. Each ofthe rotation pin 2300 and the biasing means 2302 can abut a surface 2304of the housing portion 2202. In an embodiment, the rotation pin 2300 andthe biasing means 2302 can bias the tab 2210 into the position shownwith reference to FIG. 23 such that the tab surface 2212 abuts theflexible drive tube surface 1202. In an embodiment, the actuators 2204Aand 2204B can be formed of any pliable semi-rigid material. Examples caninclude any type of polymer, polycarbonate, or the like. Likewise, therotation pin 2300 and the biasing means 2302 can also be formed from apliable semi-rigid material similar to the actuator 2204A and 2204B. Dueto the semi-rigidity of the rotation pin 2300 and the biasing means2302, when the biasing means 2300 and 2302 are disposed on the housingsurface 2304 as shown with reference to FIG. 23, each of the rotationpin 2300 and the biasing means 2302 can impart a force along thedirection B against the housing surface 2304 such that the housingsurface 2304 can impart an opposing force along the direction C. As aresult of the housing surface 2304 imparting the opposing force alongthe direction C, the tab 2210 can stay in the position shown withreference to FIG. 23 such that the knob locking assembly 2200 can stayin the retracted position and the end effector 106 can stay in theretracted position.

A user can employ the knob locking assembly 2200 to move the endeffector 106 between the retracted position shown with reference to FIG.1A and the extended position shown with reference to FIG. 1B. Inparticular, making reference to FIG. 24, a user can impart a force onthe actuator 2204A along the direction B and impart a force on theactuator 2204B along the direction C, thereby moving the actuators 2204Aand 2204B into the housing portions 2202. In an embodiment, the user canmove the actuators 2204A and 2204B until a surface 2400 of the actuatorcomes into contact with an actuator stop 2402. As the actuators 2204Aand 2204B are moved, a user can move the knob lock assembly along thedirection A and the tab 2210 along with the tab surface 2212 can clearthe flexible drive tube surface 1202. In particular, a user can move theactuators 2204A and 2204B such that the tabs 2210 move inside of thesub-housing 2208, as shown with respect to FIG. 24. Thus, a user canmove the locking mechanism 2206, the tab 2210, and the tab surface 2212inside the flexible tube end 1200 along the direction A. Furthermore,once inside the flexible tube end 1200, a user can release the actuators2204A and 2204B and can continue moving the knob locking assembly 2200until the tab surface 2212 abuts a flexible drive tube surface 2500, asshown with reference to FIG. 25. In an embodiment, in FIG. 25, the knoblocking assembly 2200 is in the extended position such that the endeffector 106 extends from the end effector assembly as shown withreference to FIG. 1B. As detailed above, the tab 2210 along with the tabsurface 2212 are configured to engage the knob locking assembly 2200such that the knob locking assembly engages with the drive tube housing110 in both the retracted position and the extended position.

As noted above, the knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200 functionto facilitate movement of the end effector 106 between a retractedposition and an extended position. In the extended position, the endeffector 106 can be used for resection of the uterus 208, as discussedabove. An example of the end effector 106 will now be discussed withreference to FIGS. 26A-26C. FIG. 26A is schematic illustration of aplanar view of a cutting device 2600 that can be used with the endeffector 106. FIG. 26B is schematic illustration of a side view of thecutting device 2600 of FIG. 26A. FIG. 26C is a perspective view of thecutting device of FIGS. 26A and 26B.

As shown in FIG. 26A, the cutting device 2600 can include a centralportion 2602 and a peripheral portion 2604. In an embodiment, thecutting device central portion 2602 can be insulative and at leastpartially surrounded by the cutting device peripheral portion 2604. Inan embodiment, the cutting device peripheral portion 2604 can beconductive. The cutting device central portion 2602 can beelectrically-insulative in order to block or limit the flow ofelectrical current therethrough. The cutting device peripheral portion2604 can be electrically-conductive to permit the flow of electricalcurrent therethrough. In an embodiment, by limiting current flow throughthe cutting device central portion 2602, a majority of current cantravel through the cutting device peripheral portion 2604 in order tofocus energy that can be delivered for resection. Therefore, thisconfiguration can allow for more precise cutting. It should be notedthat while the cutting device 2600 is described as being bipolar, in afurther embodiment, the cutting device 2600 can be monopolar.Furthermore, in an embodiment, in order to facilitate electrical contactwith a current source, the cutting device 2600 can include contacts 2606along with an interface 2608 having cutting device bores 2610. Thecutting device interface 2608 and the cutting device bores 2610 canallow for coupling the cutting device 2600 to the colpotomy device 100,as shown with reference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the end effector assembly 104in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Aspreviously discussed, the end effector assembly 104 can couple with thecoupling 300 and the colpotomy device 100 via the end effector assemblycoupling 700 such that the cutting device 2600 can couple with thecolpotomy device 100. In an embodiment, the end effector assembly 104can include a blade cover 2700 that can couple with the end effectorassembly coupling 700 and the cutting device 2600. In particular, theblade cover 2700 can include bosses 2800 (FIG. 28) where the cuttingdevice bores 2610 and end effector assembly coupling bores 2900 (FIG.29) are configured to receive the blade cover bosses 2800, as shown withreference to FIG. 30. In an embodiment, the cutting device 2600 can bedisposed between the blade cover 2700 and a flange 3000 of the endeffector assembly coupling 700, also as shown with reference to FIG. 30.Therefore, the cutting device 2600 can couple with the colpotomy device100 via the blade cover 2700 and the end effector assembly 700. Asdiscussed above, the end effector 106 can rotate with the knob lockingassemblies 108, 1700, and 2200. In an embodiment, the end effectorassembly 700 can couple the cutting device 2600 with the knob lockingassemblies 108, 1700, and 2200 such that when the cutting device 2600 isused with the end effector 106, the cutting device 2600 can rotate withthe knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200 via the end effectorassembly 700.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the cutting device 2600 caninclude the cutting device peripheral portion 2604, through whichelectrical current can travel during a resection procedure. In order toprovide current to the cutting device 2600 and the cutting deviceperipheral portion 2604, the colpotomy device 100 can include an axialcontact 2702 electrically coupled with a circumferential electricalcontact 2704, as shown with reference to FIG. 27. In an embodiment, theaxial contact 2702 can be electrically coupled to the cutting devicecontact 2606 such that current from the circumferential electricalcontact 2704 can travel to the cutting device 2600 via the axial contact2702. In an embodiment, the axial contact 2702 can couple with the endeffector assembly 104 via the end effector assembly coupling 700 and theblade cover 2700. More specifically, the end effector assembly coupling700 can include recesses 2902 that are configured to hold the axialcontact 2702, as shown with reference to FIGS. 29, 31, and 32. Moreover,the blade cover 2700 can include recesses 2802 that are configured tohold the axial contact 2702, as shown with reference to FIGS. 28, 30,and 31.

Furthermore, as noted above, the cutting device contacts 2606 contactthe axial contact 2702 in order to provide current to the cutting device2600. In an embodiment, the blade cover recesses 2802 can be configuredto hold the cutting device contacts 2606 along with the axial contacts2702 such that the axial contacts 2702 can contact the cutting devicecontacts 2606, as shown with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. Thus, whenthe end effector assembly 700 and the cutting device 2600 rotate withthe knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200, the axial contacts 2702can also rotate while current continues to travel to the cutting device2600.

As the axial contacts 2702 rotate during rotation of the end effectorassembly 700 and the cutting device 2600, the axial contact 2702 shouldstay in contact with the circumferential contact 2704. Therefore, in anembodiment, the circumferential electrical contact 2704 can include asurface 3200 upon which the axial contact 2702 can contact, as shownwith reference to FIG. 32. In an embodiment, as the end effectorassembly 700, the cutting device 2600, and the blade cover 2700 rotatewith the knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200 along a directionR₁, the axial contact 2702 slides along the circumferential contactsurface 3200 such that the axial contact 2702 can remain in electricalcontact with the circumferential contact 2704. As such, current can becontinually provided to the cutting device 2600 and the cutting deviceperipheral portion 2604 during rotation of the knob locking assemblies108, 1700, and 2200.

As noted above, the circumferential contact 2704 provides current to thecutting device 2600 via the axial contact 2702. In an embodiment, inorder to provide current, the circumferential contact 2704 can includean interface 3300 that can form a recess 3302 within which an electricalsource 3304, such as a wire carrying an electrical current, can bedisposed, as shown with respect to FIG. 33. In an embodiment, theelectrical source 3304 can provide current to the circumferentialcontact 2704.

As noted above, a user can rotate the end effector assembly 104 and theend effector 106 during a resection procedure, such as resection of theuterus 208. Furthermore, as noted above, the cutting device 2600 caninclude the cutting device peripheral portion 2604, which allows for theflow of current therethrough in order to provide more precise cutting.In order to continually provide current to the cutting device 2600during a resection procedure, the axial contact 2702 can be configuredto rotate along the circumferential contact surface 3200 while a userrotates the cutting device 2600.

In an alternative embodiment, the end effector 106 can include a cuttingdevice 3400 as shown with regards to FIG. 34A. In this embodiment, thecutting device 3400 can include the configuration of the cutting device2600, such as a cutting device central portion along with a cuttingdevice peripheral portion. As shown in FIG. 34B, the cutting device 3400can include a central portion 3402 and a peripheral portion 3404. In anembodiment, the cutting device central portion 3402 can be insulativeand at least partially surrounded by the cutting device peripheralportion 3404. In an embodiment, the cutting device peripheral portion3404 can be conductive. The cutting device central portion 3402 can beelectrically-insulative in order to block or limit the flow ofelectrical current therethrough. The cutting device peripheral portion3404 can be electrically-conductive to permit the flow of electricalcurrent therethrough. In an embodiment, by limiting current flow throughthe cutting device central portion 3402, a majority of current cantravel through the cutting device peripheral portion 3404. It should benoted that while the cutting device 3400 is described as being bipolar,in a further embodiment, the cutting device 3400 can be monopolar.

In an embodiment, in order to facilitate electrical contact with acurrent source, the cutting device 3400 can include contacts 3406 alongwith an interface 3408 having cutting device bores 3410. The cuttingdevice interface 3408 and the cutting device bores 3410 can allow forcoupling the cutting device 3400 to the colpotomy device 100 in a mannersimilar to that described with regards to the cutting device 2600.

In an embodiment where the colpotomy device 100 includes the cuttingdevice 3400, the end effector 106 can also include axial contacts 3500configured to contact the cutting device contacts 3406, as shown withreference to FIG. 35. In an embodiment, the axial contacts 3500 caninclude contact surfaces 3502 and 3504, which can allow the axialcontacts 3500 to provide current to the cutting device 3400. Inparticular, as may be seen with reference to FIG. 36, the axial contactsurface 3502 can contact the cutting device contact 3460. Furthermore,as may be seen with reference to FIG. 36, the axial contact surface 3504can contact the circumferential contact 2704. Therefore, the axialcontacts 3500 can receive current from the circumferential contact 2704via the axial contact surface 3504. Moreover, the axial contacts 3500can provide current to the cutting device 3400 and the cutting deviceperipheral portion 3404 via the axial contact surface 3502.

As discussed above, the colpotomy device 100 can include the endeffector assembly 104 that can have the end effector 106, which can beused for tissue resection. Moreover, as noted above, the end effector106 can rotate when the knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200 arerotated by a user in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.In an embodiment, as a user rotates the knob locking assemblies 108,1700, and 2200, the end effector 106 can rotate while the end effectorassembly 104 remains stationary. Thus, in an embodiment, the endeffector 106 can move relative to the end effector assembly 104. Anexample of this embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 37.

FIG. 37 illustrates the end effector assembly 104 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the end effector106, the end effector assembly 104 can include a first cup 3700 and asecond cup 3702 nested within the first cup 3700. Furthermore, the firstcup 3700 can be spaced from the second cup 3702 with a spacer assembly3704. Each of the first cup 3700, the second cup 3702, and the spacerassembly 3704 are centered with respect to a longitudinal coaxial axis Zwhere each of the first cup 3700 and the second cup 3702 define thelongitudinal coaxial axis Z. The first cup 3700 can include a ledge 3800(FIG. 38) that can hold the circumferential contact 2704 upon which, asdescribed above, the axial contact 2702 stays in contact with and slidesduring use of the colpotomy device 100 (FIG. 39). Furthermore, in anembodiment, the end effector assembly 104 can be housed by the first cup3700, such that the first cup 3700 houses the end effector assemblycoupling 700, the cutting device 2600, the blade cover 2700, the axialcontact 2702, and the circumferential contact 2704, as shown withreference to FIG. 40. The first cup 3700 can have a substantiallycircular configuration where an opening 3802 can be defined at a distalend of the first cup 3700. In an embodiment, the opening 3802 can have asubstantially circular configuration similar to the configuration of thefirst cup 3700. While the first cup 3700 and the first cup opening 3802are defined as a having a circular configuration, the first cup 3700 andthe first cup opening 3802 can have any three-dimensional configuration.

In an embodiment, the second cup 3702 can have a configuration thatcomplements the configuration of the first cup 3700 such that the secondcup 3702 can be nested within the first cup 3700. For example, as shownwith reference to FIG. 41, the second cup 3702 can have a substantiallycircular configuration where an opening 4100 can be defined at a distalend of the second cup 3702. In an embodiment, the second cup opening4100 can have a substantially circular configuration similar to theconfiguration of the second cup 3702. Moreover, the second 3702 caninclude a probe aperture 4102 through which the probe 112 can pass. Inan embodiment, the spacer assembly 3704 aligns the first cup 3700 withthe second cup 3702 such that the probe aperture 4102 aligns with thefirst cup 3702. While the second cup 3702 and the second cup opening4100 are defined as a having a circular configuration, the second cup3702 and the second cup opening 4100 can have any three-dimensionalconfiguration. In an embodiment, each of the first cup 3700 and secondcup 3702 may be formed of a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, orany other type of metal alloy. In a further embodiment, each of thefirst cup 3700 and second cup 3702 may be formed of a rigid material,such as plastic or any other type of polymer, such as nylon, or any typeof material having a low coefficient of friction.

In an embodiment, the spacer assembly 3704 can function to space thefirst cup 3702 from the second cup 3704. In addition, the spacerassembly 3704 can allow the movement of the end effector 106 while thefirst cup 3700 and the second cup 3702 remain stationary. For example,the spacer assembly 3704 can function to allow the end effector 106 tomove along the direction R₁ while the first cup 3700 and the second 3702remain stationary. Thus, the spacer assembly 3704 can function to allowthe end effector 106 to move in a circular direction along the directionR₁ in order to make circular incisions. Similarly, the spacer assembly3704 can function to allow movement of the end effector 106 relative tothe end effector assembly 104 such that the end effector assembly 104can remain stationary while the end effector rotates in conjunction withthe knob locking assemblies 108, 1700, and 2200. In an embodiment, thespacer assembly 3704 can include a spacer 4200 disposed within a bushing4202, as shown with reference to FIG. 42. In an embodiment, the spacer4200 can define a spacer opening 4204 configured to receive the secondcup 3702. In an embodiment, each of the spacer 4200 and the spaceropening 4204 can have a configuration that is complementary to theconfiguration of the first cup 3700 and the second cup 3702 such thatthe spacer 4200 can be disposed between the second cup 3702 and thebushing 4202. For example, the spacer 4200 and the spacer opening 4204can have a substantially circular configuration that is complimentary tothe configuration of the first cup 3700 and the second cup 3702.

As shown in FIG. 43, in an embodiment, the bushing 4202 can define anopening 4300 that is configured to receive the spacer 4200. In anembodiment, the spacer 4200 may have a frictional fit within the bushing4202 such that the spacer 4200 rigidly couples with the bushing 4202.Other examples of how the spacer 4200 can rigidly couple with thebushing 4202 can include a key method, placing an adhesive between aninner surface of the bushing 4202 and an outer surface of the spacer4200, or the like. In an embodiment, the rigid coupling between thespacer 4200 and the bushing 4202 allows for the bushing 4202 to rotatewhile the spacer 4200 remains stationary. In an embodiment, the bushing4202 can be a plain bearing, such as a sleeve and flanged bearing, asplit bearing, a clenched bearing, a two-piece bearing, an integralplain bearing, or the like.

In order to allow rotation of the end effector 106 along the directionR₁ (FIG. 37) while the first cup 3700 and the second cup 3702 remainstationary, the bushing 4202 can include a recess 4302 that isconfigured to receive the end effector 104. In particular, the endeffector 106 can be disposed in the recess 4302, as shown with regardsto FIG. 44, such that as the bushing 4202 rotates along the directionR₁, the end effector 106 can rotate with the bushing 4202. As can beseen with reference to FIG. 44, the end effector 106 can be offset fromthe longitudinal coaxial axis Z.

In some embodiments, the laparoscopic device 100 can be configured tolimit an amount of torque imparted to the knob locking assembly 108during use of the laparoscopic device 100. In an embodiment, when anamount of torque imparted by a user exceeds an amount of torquenecessary for proper operation of the laparoscopic device 100, a clutchassembly can be used that causes slippage to occur such that thecouplings 30 no longer rotate. For example, making reference to FIGS.45A and 45B, the laparoscopic device 100 can include a clutch assembly4500, which can be used to limit the amount of torque imparted to thecouplings 300 by a user via the knob locking assembly 108 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the clutch assembly 4500 can include a clutch plate4502 that engages with a clutch housing 4504 via clutch plate teeth 4506(FIG. 45B) and clutch housing teeth 4508. In particular, as may be seenwith reference to FIG. 46, each of the clutch plate teeth 4506 and theclutch housing teeth 4508 have a triangular configuration such that theconfiguration of the clutch plate teeth 4506 is complementary to theconfiguration of the clutch housing teeth 4508. It should be noted thatwhile the clutch plate teeth 4506 and the clutch housing teeth 4508 havea triangular configuration and are each described as havingcomplementary triangular configurations, in an embodiment, the clutchplate teeth 4506 and the clutch housing teeth 4508 can have any type ofconfiguration that are complementary. Examples can include a squareconfiguration, a conical configuration, or the like.

Returning attention to FIGS. 45A and 45B, in an embodiment, the clutchassembly 4500 can include a biasing member 4510, which biases the clutchplate 4502 against the clutch housing 4504 such that the clutch plateteeth 4506 engage the clutch housing teeth 4508 as shown with referenceto FIG. 46. In an embodiment, the biasing member 4510 may be a wavespring, a compression spring, or any other type of biasing mechanismthat biases the clutch plate 4502 against the clutch housing 4504.Furthermore, the biasing member 4510 may rest against surface 4512 ofknob locking housing portions 4514 such that the biasing means 4510 mayimpart a biasing force against the clutch plate 4502. In an embodiment,the knob locking housing portions 4514 have functionality similar to thehousing portions 900 discussed above, where the housing portions couplewith the actuators 902 and the biasing means 904, also as discussedabove.

In an embodiment, the clutch assembly can include an end cap 4516 havingcoupling bores 4518 disposed in flanges 4520, as shown with reference toFIGS. 45A and 45B. The end cap coupling bores 4518 can engage withclutch housing bores 4522 via a fastening means 4700 (FIG. 47) therebycoupling the clutch housing 4504 with the end cap 4516, as shown withrespect to FIG. 47. In an embodiment, the fastening means 4700 may beany type of fastening means, such as a threaded fastener, a rivet, orthe like. When the clutch housing 4504 couples with the end cap 4516,the clutch housing 4504 encloses the clutch plate 4502, the biasingmember 4510, the clutch plate teeth 4506, and the clutch housing teeth4508, as shown with reference to FIG. 47. Furthermore, the clutch plate4502 includes tabs 4524 that are configured to engage with slots 4526 ofthe knob locking housing portion 4514. More specifically, in theconfiguration shown with reference to FIG. 47, the clutch plate tabs4524 sit within the knob lock housing portion slots 4526. Here, theclutch plate tabs 4524 engage with the knob lock housing portion slots4526 such that when a user rotates the clutch housing 4504, the clutchplate tabs 4524 impart a force against the knob lock housing portionslots 4526 and the knob lock housing portions 4514, thereby causingrotation of the couplings 300.

Regarding the rotation of the couplings 300, as shown with reference toFIGS. 48 and 49, the knob lock housing portions 4514 include recesses4800 that are configured to receive coupling bosses 4802. Here, when auser rotates the clutch housing 4504, the clutch plate 4502 translatesthe rotational force to the knob lock housing portion recesses 4800 suchthat the knob lock housing portion recesses 4800 rotate along with theclutch housing 4504. Moreover, as the knob lock housing portion recesses4800 rotate, by virtue of being disposed within the knob lock housingportion recesses 4800, the coupling bosses 4802 and the couplings 300rotate.

However, when a user imparts an excessive amount of torque on the clutchhousing 4504, the clutch housing teeth 4508 disengage from the clutchplate teeth 4506 and slide over each other as shown with reference toFIGS. 50 and 51. Therefore, as the user continues to rotate the clutchhousing 4504 with excessive torque, by virtue of the clutch housingteeth 4508 disengaging from the clutch plate teeth 4506, the clutchplate 4502 does not translate the rotational force to the knob lockhousing portion recesses 4800 such that the knob lock housing portionrecesses 4800 do not rotate along with the clutch housing 4504.Moreover, since the knob lock housing portion recesses 4800 do notrotate, the coupling bosses 4802 and the couplings 300 do not rotate. Itshould be noted that while FIG. 47 illustrates the clutch housing 4504coupling with the knob lock housing portion 4514, in an embodiment, theassembly disclosed in FIGS. 45A-49 can be incorporated with theembodiments discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9-16 where theclutch housing 4504 couples with the housing portion 900 as discussedwith reference to FIGS. 45A, 45B, and 47. As such, when an excessiveamount of torque is applied by a user to the laparoscopic device 100,the clutch assembly 4500 can prevent the excessive torque from beingtranslated to the couplings 300 in embodiments using the housing portion900.

In addition to the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 45A-51,the laparoscopic device 100 can include a clutch assembly 5200, whichcan be used to limit the amount of torque imparted to the couplings 300by a user via the knob locking assembly 108 as shown with respect toFIGS. 52A and 52B, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Here, the clutch assembly 5200 can include the clutch plate4502 that engages with a clutch housing 5202 via the clutch plate teeth4506 and the clutch housing teeth 4508. In an embodiment, the clutchassembly 5200 can include the biasing member 4510 along with a knob lockhousing portion 5204 and an end cap 5206.

In an embodiment, the end cap 5206 can include end cap tabs 5208 thatare configured to engage with clutch housing recesses 5210 when the endcap 5206 couples with the clutch housing 5202, as shown with referenceto FIG. 53. When the clutch housing 5202 couples with the end cap 5206,the clutch housing 5202 encloses the clutch plate 4502, the biasingmember 4510, the clutch plate teeth 4506, and the clutch housing teeth4508, as shown with reference to FIG. 53. Moreover, the knob lockinghousing portion 5204 includes slots 5212 that are configured to engagewith the clutch plate tabs 4524. More specifically, in the configurationshown with reference to FIG. 53, the clutch plate tabs 4524 sit withinthe knob lock housing portion slots 5212. Here, the clutch plate tabs4524 engage with the knob lock housing portion slots 5212 such that whena user rotates the clutch housing 5202, the clutch plate tabs 4524impart a force against the knob lock housing portion slots 5212 and theknob lock housing portions 5204, thereby causing rotation of thecouplings 300.

With respect to the rotation of the couplings 300, as shown withreference to FIG. 53, the knob lock housing portions 5204 includerecesses 5300 similar to the knob lock housing portion recesses 4800that are configured to receive the coupling bosses 4802. Here, when auser rotates the clutch housing 5202, the clutch plate 4502 translatesthe rotational force to the knob lock housing portion recesses 5300 suchthat the knob lock housing portion recesses 5300 rotate along with theclutch housing 5202. As the knob lock housing portion recesses 5300rotate, since the coupling bosses 4802 are disposed within the knob lockhousing portion recesses 5300, the coupling bosses 4802 and thecouplings 300 rotate along with the knob locking portion recesses 5300.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, when a userimparts an excessive amount of torque on the clutch housing 5202, theclutch housing teeth 4508 disengage from the clutch plate teeth 4506 andslide over each other as shown with reference to FIGS. 50 and 51.Therefore, as the user continues to rotate the clutch housing 5202 withexcessive torque, by virtue of the clutch housing teeth 4508 disengagingfrom the clutch plate teeth 4506, the clutch plate 4502 does nottranslate the rotational force to the knob lock housing portion recesses5300 such that the knob lock housing portion recesses 5300 do not rotatealong with the clutch housing 5202. Moreover, since the knob lockhousing portion recesses 5300 do not rotate, the coupling bosses 4802and the couplings 300 do not rotate. It should be noted that while FIG.53 illustrates the clutch housing 5202 coupling with the knob lockhousing portion 5204, in an embodiment, the assembly disclosed in FIGS.52A-53 can be incorporated with the embodiments discussed above withreference to FIGS. 17-21 where the clutch housing 5202 couples with thehousing portion 1702 as discussed with reference to FIGS. 52A-53 above.Accordingly, when an excessive amount of torque is applied by a user tothe laparoscopic device 100 that includes the housing portion 1702, theclutch assembly 5200 can prevent the excessive torque from beingtranslated to the couplings 300.

In addition to the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 45A-53,the laparoscopic device 100 can include a clutch assembly 5400, whichcan be used to limit the amount of torque imparted to the couplings 300by a user via the knob locking assembly 108 as shown with respect toFIG. 54, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis embodiment, the clutch assembly 5400 can include a clutch 5402along with a biasing means 5404 disposed on the clutch 5402. The clutch5402 can include the coupling bores 506 on the u-shaped portion 508. Inan embodiment, the clutch 5402 couples with the couplings 300 via thecoupling bores 506. Thus, when the clutch 5402 rotates, the couplings300 can also rotate.

In an embodiment, the biasing means can include a pliable member 5500and posts 5502, as shown with reference to FIGS. 55 and 56, which areside and top views of the biasing member 5404, in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the biasingmeans may be formed from any type of ductile material that flexes in thedirection C when the biasing member 5404 is compressed in either thedirection A or in a direction D and rebounds along the direction B whenthe biasing member 5404 is no longer compressed. Example of materialsthat may be used for the biasing means include any type of pliable metalor semi-rigid polymer, including plastic or the like.

As noted above, the biasing member includes the posts 5502. In anembodiment, the posts 5502 can facilitate coupling of the biasing member5404 with the housing portion 900. For example, in an embodiment, thehousing portion 900 can include recesses 5700 (FIG. 57) within which theposts 5502 may reside when the housing portion 900 is disposed on theclutch assembly 5400, as shown with reference to FIG. 58. In thisembodiment, when a user turns the housing portion 900 during use of thelaparoscopic device 100, by virtue of the posts 5502 residing within therecesses 5700, the biasing member 5404 rotates along with the housingportion 900. In an embodiment, as shown with regards to FIG. 59, theclutch 5400 can include stops 5900. When a user turns the housingportion 900 along the direction X, an end 6000 (FIG. 60) of the biasingmember 5404 abuts an end 6002 of the stop 5900. As the end 6000 abutsthe stop 5900, the force applied by turning the housing portion 900causes the biasing member 5404 to apply a force along the direction A,thereby causing rotation of the clutch 5402 and the couplings 300 alongthe direction X, as discussed above and shown with reference to FIG. 60.

In an embodiment, if a user applies excessive torque to the housingportion 900, i.e., the user turns the housing portion 900 with excessiveforce, the excessive force is translated to the biasing member 5404 suchthat the pliable member 5500 of the biasing member 5404 begins tocompress along the direction A and flex along the direction C, as shownwith respect to FIG. 61. As the pliable member 5500 of the biasingmember 5404 continues to flex, the biasing member end 6000 moves alongthe stop end 6002 along the direction C until the biasing member end6000 clears the stop end 6002 such that the biasing member 5400 is abovethe stop 5900, as shown with reference to FIG. 62. When the biasingmember 5404 and the biasing member end 6000 slide across a top 6200 ofthe stop 5900, the biasing member 5404 no longer applies a force alongthe direction A against the stop 5900 such that the clutch 5402 nor thecouplings 300 no longer rotate. Therefore, when an excessive amount oftorque is applied by a user to the laparoscopic device 100, the clutch5402 can prevent the excessive torque from being translated to thecouplings 300.

Accordingly, what has been described includes a colpotomy device forperforming a hysterectomy. The colpotomy device can include a knobassembly at a distal end and a rotatable cutting implement at a distalend opposite the knob, where the knob assembly can be used to controlthe movement of the cutting implement. The knob assembly can couple tothe cutting implement via a flexible drive tube having a plurality ofcouplings. In an embodiment, the plurality of couplings can be in seriesand can be rotatable about a bending axis of the flexible drive tube.Moreover, the end effector assembly can include an axial electricalcontact that engages with and slides along a circumferential electriccontact in order to provide current to the cutting implement during useof the colpotomy device. The end effector assembly can be housed withina first cup having a second cup nested therein. In an embodiment, thecutting implement can be disposed between the first cup and the secondcup and rotatable relative to the first cup and the second cup such thatthe first cup and the second cup can remain stationary while the cuttingimplement rotates.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the inventioncan be practiced. These examples are also referred to herein as“examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to thoseshown or described. However, the present inventor also contemplatesexamples in which only those elements shown or described are provided.Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examples using anycombination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or oneor more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example(or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (orone or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Otherexamples can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the natureof the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features can begrouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not beinterpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature isessential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in lessthan all features of a particular disclosed example. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examplesor examples, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example,and it is contemplated that such examples can be combined with eachother in various combinations or permutations. The scope of theinvention should be determined with reference to the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A colpotomy device for performing a hysterectomy,the colpotomy device comprising: a flexible drive tube having a proximalend and a distal end and bendable therebetween; a rotatable cuttingimplement at the distal end of the flexible drive tube at a specifiedoffset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube; anda plurality of couplings located within the flexible drive tube androtatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drivetube, the plurality of couplings being in a series, the series includingone or more inter-coupling joints and configured to transmit arotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexibledrive tube through a variable angle between couplings of the pluralityof couplings, the variable angle corresponding to bending of the drivetube, to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offsetabout the axis of the flexible drive tube.
 2. The colpotomy device ofclaim 1, wherein the colpotomy device further comprises a rotatable knoblocated at the proximal end of the flexible drive tube, the rotatableknob being coupled to a first coupling of the plurality of couplings todrive rotation of the plurality of couplings.
 3. The colpotomy device ofclaim 2, wherein the rotatable cutting implement couples to a secondcoupling of the plurality of couplings at the distal end of the flexibledrive tube.
 4. The colpotomy device of claim 1, comprising: a first cup;a bushing disposed about the first cup and coupled with the secondcoupling of the plurality of couplings, wherein the bushing rotates withthe transmitted rotational force; a second cup spaced from the first cupvia the bushing; and wherein the rotatable cutting implement comprises ablade disposed between the first cup and the second cup, the blade beingcoupled with the bushing such that the blade rotates with the bushing.5. The colpotomy device of claim 4, wherein the inter-coupling jointsinclude a constant velocity joint.
 6. The colpotomy device of claim 4,wherein the inter-coupling joints include a universal joint.
 7. Thecolpotomy device of claim 3, wherein the knob is configured to rotatethe plurality of couplings such that the blade rotates with the knob andat the specified offset about the longitudinal axis of the flexibledrive tube.
 8. The colpotomy device of claim 1, wherein the flexibledrive tube is formed of plastic.
 9. The colpotomy device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of couplings include adjacent first and secondcouplings connected via an individual one of the one or moreinter-coupling joints, the joint formed by a first coupling pinextending through and being rotatable with respect to a coupling boredisposed on a U-shape portion extending from the first coupling, and asecond coupling pin extending through and being rotatable with respectto a coupling bore disposed on a U-shape extending from the secondcoupling, the first and second coupling pins coupled to so as to permittransmitting a rotational force through a variable angle between thefirst and second couplings.
 10. A colpotomy device for performing ahysterectomy, the colpotomy device comprising: a flexible drive tubehaving a proximal end and a distal end and bendable therebetween; arotatable cutting implement at the distal end of the flexible drive tubeat a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexibledrive tube; a plurality of couplings located within the flexible drivetube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexibledrive tube, the plurality of couplings being in a series, the seriesincluding one or more inter-coupling joints and configured to transmit arotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexibledrive tube through a variable angle between couplings of the pluralityof couplings, the variable angle corresponding to bending of the drivetube, to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offsetabout the axis of the flexible drive tube; and a rotatable knob locatedat the proximal end of the flexible drive tube, the rotatable knob beingcoupled to a first coupling of the plurality of couplings to driverotation of the plurality of couplings.
 11. The colpotomy device ofclaim 10, wherein the rotatable cutting implement couples to a secondcoupling of the plurality of couplings at the distal end of the flexibledrive tube.
 12. The colpotomy device of claim 10, comprising: a firstcup; a bushing disposed about the first cup and coupled with the secondcoupling of the plurality of couplings, wherein the bushing rotates withthe transmitted rotational force; a second cup spaced from the first cupvia the bushing; and wherein the rotatable cutting implement comprises ablade disposed between the first cup and the second cup, the blade beingcoupled with the bushing such that the blade rotates with the bushing.13. The colpotomy device of claim 12, wherein the inter-coupling jointsinclude a constant velocity joint.
 14. The colpotomy device of claim 12,wherein the inter-coupling joints include a universal joint.
 15. Thecolpotomy device of claim 10, wherein the flexible drive tube is formedof plastic.
 16. The colpotomy device of claim 10, wherein the pluralityof couplings include adjacent first and second couplings connected viaan individual one of the one or more inter-coupling joints, the jointformed by a first coupling pin extending through and being rotatablewith respect to a coupling bore disposed on a U-shape portion extendingfrom the first coupling, and a second coupling pin extending through andbeing rotatable with respect to a coupling bore disposed on a U-shapeextending from the second coupling, the first and second coupling pinscoupled to so as to permit transmitting a rotational force through avariable angle between the first and second couplings.
 17. A colpotomydevice for performing a hysterectomy, the colpotomy device comprising: aflexible drive tube having a proximal end and a distal end and bendabletherebetween; a rotatable cutting implement at the distal end of theflexible drive tube at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinalaxis of the flexible drive tube; a plurality of couplings located withinthe flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinalaxis of the flexible drive tube, the plurality of couplings being in aseries, the series including one or more inter-coupling joints andconfigured to transmit a rotational force between the proximal anddistal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle betweencouplings of the plurality of couplings, the variable anglecorresponding to bending of the drive tube, to drive rotation of thecutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of the flexibledrive tube; a first cup; a bushing disposed about the first cup andcoupled with the second coupling of the plurality of couplings, whereinthe bushing rotates with the transmitted rotational force; a second cupspaced from the first cup via the bushing; and wherein the rotatablecutting implement comprises a blade disposed between the first cup andthe second cup, the blade being coupled with the bushing such that theblade rotates with the bushing.
 18. The colpotomy device of claim 17,wherein the colpotomy device further comprises a rotatable knob locatedat the proximal end of the flexible drive tube, the rotatable knob beingcoupled to a first coupling of the plurality of couplings to driverotation of the plurality of couplings.
 19. The colpotomy device ofclaim 18, wherein the rotatable cutting implement couples to a secondcoupling of the plurality of couplings at the distal end of the flexibledrive tube.
 20. The colpotomy device of claim 17, wherein theinter-coupling joints include a constant velocity joint.
 21. Thecolpotomy device of claim 17, wherein the inter-coupling joints includea universal joint.
 22. The colpotomy device of claim 17, wherein theplurality of couplings include adjacent first and second couplingsconnected via an individual one of the one or more inter-couplingjoints, the joint formed by a first coupling pin extending through andbeing rotatable with respect to a coupling bore disposed on a U-shapeportion extending from the first coupling, and a second coupling pinextending through and being rotatable with respect to a coupling boredisposed on a U-shape extending from the second coupling, the first andsecond coupling pins coupled to so as to permit transmitting arotational force through a variable angle between the first and secondcouplings.